The most common symptom caused by this skin irritation is rosacea erythema, or redness. The face appears red and inflamed, as though the person has a rash. This flushing can be either intermittent or can persist for days. Intermittent redness of the face generally looks like blushing, only happening much more frequently. The persistent redness looks like a sunburn but often lasts much longer. This facial irritation most often appears on the forehead, the cheeks, the nose, and around the lips. These patches generally appear symmetrically on both sides of the face. These symptoms can be accompanied by a burning and itching sensation to the affected area. Patches of dry and flaking skin can also start to appear on the face, affecting the same areas as the erythema. Many patients with rosacea also begin to see many small blood vessels and veins, known as spider veins, become visible on their skin. Occasionally these veins can rupture, causing facial bruising.

There are different types of rosacea, some with symptoms that are more serious. In more severe cases of rosacea, acne like bumps can appear on the skin of the face and upper body. These bumps can be either red and inflamed or pus filled. Unlike acne, blackheads do not appear. Facial swelling, or edema, can be another common sign of rosacea. Typically the nose, but often the entire face will begin to swell up to a larger size, generally accompanied by facial redness. The size of the nose can also increase due to skin becoming built up and thicker, known as rhynophyma. Although most of those with rosacea only experience skin symptoms, rosacea can also affect the eyes. The eyes may water and become bloodshot, causing irritation and itching to the skin around the eye and the eye itself. The eyelids can show the same symptoms of redness, dryness, and swelling as the rest of the face. It is important to seek medical attention if symptoms affecting the eye persist, as they can lead to permanent vision problems and damage to the cornea. 

The signs and symptoms of rosacea can vary from person to person. Some rosacea sufferers have symptoms so mild that they may go their entire lives without realizing they have a skin disorder. For those who have this chronic condition, it is important to recognize what the symptoms of rosacea are in order to get the best possible treatment.